Understanding Medical Marijuana in New Zealand
Medical marijuana has become a popular topic in recent years. In New Zealand, medical marijuana is legal, but it is not widely available. To understand how to get medical marijuana in New Zealand, it is important to first understand what medical marijuana is and how it is used.
Medical marijuana is marijuana that is used to treat medical conditions. It contains cannabinoids, which are the active ingredients in marijuana that have medicinal properties. There are two main cannabinoids found in marijuana: THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana that produces the “high” associated with recreational use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits.
Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It can be consumed in various forms, including smoking, vaporizing, edibles, and tinctures.
The Legal Status of Medical Marijuana in New Zealand
Medical marijuana was legalized in New Zealand in 2018, but it is only available to patients with certain medical conditions. The Ministry of Health oversees the medical marijuana program in New Zealand, and patients must obtain a prescription from an authorized prescriber to access medical marijuana.
Currently, medical marijuana is only available in the form of Sativex, which is an oral spray that contains equal parts THC and CBD. Sativex is indicated for the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Step 1: Consult with Your Doctor
The first step in obtaining medical marijuana in New Zealand is to consult with your doctor. Your doctor can help determine if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option for your medical condition. If your doctor agrees that medical marijuana could be beneficial, they can refer you to an authorized prescriber.
Step 2: Find an Authorized Prescriber
Authorized prescribers in New Zealand include medical specialists, general practitioners, and nurse practitioners. These prescribers have undergone additional training and certification to be able to prescribe medical marijuana.
Your doctor can refer you to an authorized prescriber, or you can search for an authorized prescriber on the Ministry of Health’s website. Once you have found an authorized prescriber, you will need to schedule an appointment to discuss your medical condition and the potential use of medical marijuana.
Step 3: Obtain a Prescription
If the authorized prescriber determines that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for your medical condition, they can write a prescription for you. The prescription will specify the amount of medical marijuana that you are authorized to use and the duration of the prescription.
Step 4: Purchase Medical Marijuana
Once you have a prescription for medical marijuana, you can purchase it from a licensed supplier. Currently, Sativex is the only form of medical marijuana that is available in New Zealand, and it is only indicated for the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana is legal in New Zealand, but it is not widely available. Patients must obtain a prescription from an authorized prescriber to access medical marijuana, which is currently only available in the form of Sativex. If you believe that medical marijuana could be a beneficial treatment option for your medical condition, consult with your doctor and seek out an authorized prescriber to obtain a prescription.
